Patio above indoor living area leaks

I have a serious problem with a slate tiled patio situated directly above a living area and has started leaking water through the ceiling below. The leaks started this past winter when snow melted off the patio. Recently we have had heavy rains and I suspect additional leaks caused more ceiling damage. What is the best way to solve the problem and affect a proper repair to stop these leaks? When it snows, I believe some of the water may be coming from the sidewalls and am guessing that could lack adequate flashing. The house is stucco or EFAS. I also believe that some water may now be coming through the grout between the tiles. What do you propose? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Brutter, welcome to the forum



Do you have a photo of this slate tile, because I am not sure which kind you are talking about.

It's just the regular type of random sized slate tile that is about 3/8" thick that you can get from Home Depot and Lowe's.

I am sorry but I'm not from the U.S. or England and when I hear slate I automatically think of our slate roofs in the Netherlands.... (not flat)

You have a leak somewhere and it seems to me you have to either use a waterproof coating over the tiles or take them apart and us waterproof construction adhesive underneath them.


It is hard to tell without seeing a photo

Jeffie,

i was thinking I might have to tear up the slate tiles and put some kind of waterproofing down. Thanks that is a good idea.

Bob